California Tiger Moth
Common NameCalifornia Tiger Moth
Scientific NameGrammia incorrupta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, coastal sage scrub
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern California, Baja California
Host PlantsPlantago, Taraxacum, Trifolium
Flight PeriodOctober to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are dark, hairy 'woolly bear' caterpillars that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as larvae before pupating in the spring, with adults emerging in the late fall and winter months.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark forewings with irregular white markings, particularly the prominent white spot near the tornus. Males have noticeably feathery antennae. Hindwings, if visible, are typically orange or red with black spots.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark, almost black forewings featuring irregular white streaks and a prominent white spot near the tornus. Its head and thorax are also dark, and males possess distinctive feathery antennae.
